‘And I,’ said Ward, ‘dear Newcome, for my part,
‘Am glad to see you back, with all my heart.
‘But come along—I do not boast variety,
‘The poorest fare’s a Feast with good Society.
‘We will reverse the thing, for at my Treat,
‘We’ll drink like Fishes, tho’ no Fish to eat.
‘’Tis thus we Soldiers live, it can’t be worse,
‘Always on Beef, and with an empty Purse.’
‘Of honest Beef,’ says John, ‘pray don’t speak slighting;
‘’Tis thought, you know, our stimulant to Fighting: